Harry Potter is Dangerous for Both You and Your Children

Mary Immaculate Queen ^ | 12-16-01 | Fr. Casimir Puskorius, CMRI,

[mlizzy]

Adapted from a Sermon of Fr. Casimir Puskorius, CMRI, 3rd Sunday of Advent, December 16, 2001

On the First Sunday of Lent every year, we read in the Gospel of the devil tempting Our Lord. First he tries to tempt Him to gluttony, and Our Lord resists. Of course, Our Lord, because He is God, cannot be inclined to sin. But the devil, not knowing that, first tries to tempt Him to gluttony, and then to pride and power and materialism. He says to Our Lord, “Why don’t you throw yourself off this high elevation? God will save you.” Our Lord refuses. Then the devil pulls out his trump card. He shows Our Lord all the glory of the world and says, “I will give all this to you, if you will just bow down and worship me.” Of course, Our Lord refuses again. What the devil was saying here, in a sense, was “I’ll give you magic to do something that is not morally right, but it’s something you would enjoy.”

It should be evident to us, my dear parishioners, that the devil is after each one of us, tempting us in similar manner to sin and to pride. These temptations take different forms, so we must be on our guard. The devil is trying to tempt us away from serving God, from obeying God’s commandments. He is so crafty, so subtle, that often you don’t even know, unless you are very careful, how he is insinuating himself.

I believe it my duty to talk to you today about a series of books and its accompanying movie because I believe that they contain an insinuation of pride and ungodliness. I think you know what I am talking about: the Harry Potter series. I will speak both about the books and the movie, because if one reads the books, he will want to see the movie, and vice versa. I believe there are some real problems here, real spiritual danger — possibly grave spiritual danger. I will explain why. Believe me, I have refrained from saying anything about this for a long time. When the books first came out, I began to gather information on them. I wanted to analyze them to see whether or not they were good for children to be reading, and to write an article for The Reign of Mary. I haven’t said anything up to this time because I wanted to study the matter, rather than say yes or no before I knew what I was talking about.

Let me also preface this explanation by saying that I speak now from the consciousness that one day I will have to answer to God for how I accomplished my duty to instruct you in matters of faith and morals. I certainly believe that there are matters of faith and morals involved in this particular matter.

The first problem I would like to point out are the words that are so casually used in the books and in the movie, words that are so casually used that children may start using them — yet these words are matter of mortal sin. Specifically, I am referring to such words as: sorcery, witchcraft, casting spells, communicating with the dead (necromancy). The Catholic Church very clearly tells us that these are mortal sins, and they must not be presented as though they are something permissible to try. I believe it is the devil trying to insinuate himself through the medium of human beings, trying to draw us away from Christ. These are not your usual Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Remember that children do not have the same critical ability that adults have. They read fantasy much differently than we do: they read it in a believing way.

Continue reading here.

[Jen Shroder]

yep And sadly, so much is found in our public schools under "critical thinking"

I just read this, does anybody, ANYBODY, buy this???

“These are real issues that schools ought to be addressing,” Roderick says. “There is so much hysteria and misinformation out there, and I think the Muslim community center is a good example. People kept referring to it as a mosque—it’s not. It’s a community center. We are trying to put out information that is accurate and gets kids thinking. We use inquiry approaches to get them to think and … make up their own minds. And I think it’s an important responsibility that schools need to do. If schools don’t, who will?”

If anyone thinks our children are getting an unbiased load of _____ to "think for themselves" with, then I've got something to sell ya on ebay....

[Catsrus]

Things that really matter are exactly the point of this article. Your eternity and answering to God after this life are of utmost importance. The things of this earth will pass, but, eternity is forever.

[Catsrus]

I guess I don’t see the difference. The dead are dead in body only, however, the spirit and soul live forever. How do you know if one is calling upon a so-called saint in heaven, or a demon from the pits of hades?

[Catsrus]

If one is an astrologer or medium, then one is NOT a Christian. Maybe a Christian in name only, but, not a true follower of the living Christ. Neither should a true Christian support any candidates who support the killing of unborn babies. I feel sad for those in the black community who are believers, but, also believe in and defend the zero in office. They are basing their support on skin color and not character. How sad, that they can be deceived this easily.

[snowrip]

The “things of this earth” that I am referring to comprise the survival of the United States of America. If that is not of the utmost importance to anyone who believes that the rights we enjoy are granted by God, then I don’t know what to tell you.

[Catsrus]

If you’d read the article then you would have the answers to your questions, because he addresses these very concerns.

[Catsrus]

Your post is erroneous because the author of these books during an interview stated that she received myriad letters from children wanting to attend a witchcraft school. So, yes, children are truly influenced by these.

Sad that so many on FR are deceived by the HP phenomenon. I suggest you do a little further research on the subject before making bogus claims.

[Catsrus]

Ditto!

[Catsrus]

Christian symbolism doesn’t mean its Christian. Satan also knows the scriptures, but distorts them.

[Catsrus]

Mythical and demoniacal are synonymous.

[Catsrus]

Because there are many battles to fight. The Bible says the devil goes about alike a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour. His wiles and deceit are lost of many. He rears his ugly head in one form or another and never sleeps.

[Catsrus]

Just because one mentions Christmas doesn’t make it a Christian theme. Actually, I don’t believe that the Lord wanted us to celebrate his birth as it is being done on December 25th of every year. There is no reason to believe that Jesus was born on this date, however, there is a reason to believe that this date is the date of the winter solace. Even non Christians can offer love and sacrifice, and many do. That doesn’t make them believers in Jesus Christ.

How easily people are deceived.

[Catsrus]

Wow, what a flimsy excuse to expose children to the occult.

Pitiful!

[Catsrus]

I have to correct you on one point - true believers in Jesus Christ do battle with the devil - not just those selected by the Catholic Church. Jesus said he goes about as a roaring lion deceiving the very elect if possible.

I’d say from reading the responses on this topic, that many on FR are deceived. I don’t say that lightly, but ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.

However, dismissing”Harry Potter,” as harmless, is deception.

[Catsrus]

I wonder how many on here actually read the Bible? I’d say very few from the remarks made on this subject of HP. I’d also say that very few are people who pray for the truth. Yes, God does lead you if you ask.

So, the author has toned down the references to the magical world? Well, bully for her! The foundation has already been laid. How sad that some believe themselves so intellectual that they overlook the spiritual.

[Catsrus]

These things are given by God, however, he says that we are in this world, but, not of it. WE belong to a different kingdom. Do you believe you will live forever? I think not. So, I don’t know what to tell you. The Bible tells us to occupy until Jesus returns, but, we have a heavenly home awaiting us. We are just passing through this life.

[pogo101]

Wow, the fact that Rowling got letters from kids “wanting to attend a witchcraft school” proves the books are evil.

Whatever helps you get through your days, necro-bumper. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m needed back on Earth.

[mlizzy]

I’m sorry if I implied (or outright said?) that only Catholics are approached by Satan. We all are, indeed.

[mlizzy]

I’d say from reading the responses on this topic, that many on FR are deceived. I don’t say that lightly, but ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. However, dismissing ”Harry Potter,” as harmless, is deception.

Well, the exorcists can't stand this series of films, and that has to tell you something, seeing as how they deal with the devil frequently and quite intensely. But many folks disregard their testimony. I don't know if everyone truly believes there is a devil anyway. That could be part of the problem right there.

[JPII Be Not Afraid]

There is a difference. When a Saint has shown a certain virtue I wish to emulate or is a patron of something I may ask them to pray for me just as I might as you, Catsrus, to pray for me. We don't summoned them down from heaven. We trust if it is God's will for my life they will assist in prayers for me. In fact, if a figure ever materialized before me saying they were Saint Whoever, I wouldn't believe it and would probably run for my life away from it. Where as demons can cause some miracles or should I say, illusions of miracles. Their only purpose on this earth is to draw you away from the true God. His greatest fiat is making people believe he doesn't exist. Anything to make you doubt the existence of God. Look at the big lies of wicca, socialism, Barak Obama, etc. They seem good on the outside, but their underlying good is really evil. If you really look around at this world you can see where the evil spirits are trying to destroy what is good. Look at political correctness and such. Look at our world this very day, and see the chaos that it is in. Evil is everywhere, you have to be able to discern, or as I do, just stay away from it. I have a hard enough time trying to live as a good Catholic Christian, I just don't need it or do I want it.

By their fruits they will be known.

Good luck on your journey of faith and please pray for me as I will for you.